Beaver Scouts from 1st Burghfield & Sulhamstead made the most of the late summer/early autumn sunshine this week with a visit to Englefield Gardens in West Berkshire.
The Beavers have enjoyed a return to face-to-face Scouting this term as part of a blended programme that continues to incorporate online Zoom meetings on alternate weeks.
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“It’s great to see the Beavers face-to-face again,” said one of the leaders. “It isn’t until you see them in person you realise how much you’ve missed them.”
Another added: “The Beavers have really enjoyed being back to face-to-face meetings, we still have fun on Zoom every other week, so it’s a blended programme but I think they prefer the face-to-face meetings and the activities we’ve done so far more than being online”.
The Englefield Gardens visit offered the Beavers a get out into nature at a time of year when autumnal colours are starting to emerge, while allowing them a chance to rekindle friendships after the tough lockdown period forced an online programme last term.
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“Seeing friendships develop again from Beavers from other schools that were forged before lockdown is great – they greet each other like long lost friends and have easily slipped back into a familiar pattern,” said one leader.
The outdoors experience allows them a chance to burn off steam, enjoy the great outdoors and to learn in a fun and safe environment – everything that Scouting should be about.